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Finding her way: Retired teacher trekking 450-mile pilgrimage

After visiting her physician a little over a year ago, there was something 72-year-old Caroline Parker couldn't shake.

During the office visit, she told her doctor about a trip to Spain with her daughter and how she fell in love again with the country — especially the people.

"They are warm, friendly and charming — the hardest-working people," she remembers.

On hearing her affinity for Spain, her physician had a prescription for the retired middle school science teacher: "If you love Spain so much, you need to do the Camino."

A CENTURIES-OLD PILGRIMAGE

While most people of any age would relish that thought — but never act on it — Parker couldn't get the idea out of her mind.

For centuries, pilgrims of all religions have sojourned the Camino de Santiago — a path leading from the French Pyrenees mountains to the purported burial spot of St. James, in northwest Spain (with many possible route adaptations).

The pilgrimage was featured in the 2010 movie "The Way" featuring Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez.

"The more I read about it, it was oddly appealing to me," says Parker, who has never been one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, she taught at then PJC's Adult High School and Gulf Breeze Middle, launching the area Science Olympiad, before retiring in 2005.

One concern about the Camino: "I like tennis, biking and swimming, but not really running or walking."

Despite her reservations and after much study, Parker decided to go for it. Backpack strapped on, Parker trained by trekking around Pensacola and along area shorelines, discovering scenic treasures that had evaded her for years as an area resident.

Finally, in mid-March, she travelled from Paris to St. Jean, a small town in the Pyrenees foothills, which serves as the starting point for pilgrims departing from France.

THE PATH LESS TRAVELED

"My first disappointment, and a major one, is that the Napoleon path over the Pyrenees was closed due to extreme snow conditions," explained Parker, noting snow on the path was shoulder height at some points.

However, as often is the case, fate threw Parker into a stunning — and maybe better — situation.

"My disappointment soon changed as this path was beautiful, pastoral and offered majestic views of the Napoleon path," says Parker, who found herself at times in a foot of snow even at the lower elevation.

Since that initial day, Parker has found her rhythm and is enroute.

Among her highlights:

• Being the guest of honor at a dinner recognizing her as the revered elder pilgrim.

• Being lifted over a washout by insistent fellow pilgrims and hiking through wet, muddy hills.

• Exploring Spanish villages and cities; enjoying the sights and sounds of Spanish children playing in the schoolyard.

• Staying in albergues (similar to hostels) — with a variety of accommodations usually for five to 15 euros per night.

• Checking into an occasional hotel to recuperate; and most of all taking in the beauties of Spain and forging bonds with fellow pilgrims from around the globe.

Since she is retired, Parker has the luxury of drinking in all that the Camino has to offer.

"Most people do it in 30,35,40 days. I have given myself 60 days because my goal isn't to get from point A to point B," she says.

"HER ZEAL IS CONTAGIOUS"

It is an undertaking that Pensacolian Jackie Hattaway says is right in her character for her amazing friend.

Hattaway met Parker when they landed on the same tennis team two years ago. And for two seasons, the two were partners. Hattaway says during that time, her tennis partner evolved into a beloved friend.

"She is the most vivacious and interesting person I think I have ever known," says Hattaway. "Her zest for life, her zeal is contagious. She just has such a big heart. "

Hattaway notes that although Parker is retired, she is still a teacher at heart — always inspiring and encouraging.

"I think she was a great teacher and that transcends everything she does," says Hattaway. "She truly is an inspiration to most who meet her."

As for Parker, she is making the most of her journey: "My days seem to have a rhythm now. I feel good and spring is in the air. The walks are getting more populated," she wrote in her blog on March 30, already nearly 150 miles into her 450-mile journey experiencing Spain one step at a time.